Technical officer overseeing projects and services in the Division of Agriculture Ryan Anselm expressed joy in participating in the significant event of sharing the harvest with those in need. Collaborating with farmers and fishermen, he highlighted the focus on celebrating the hard-earned fruits of their labor. Anselm emphasized that collective efforts aim to bring joy and nourishment to ensure everyone can enjoy the abundance of the harvest.

Ryan Anselm, of the Division of Agriculture.

​Environmentalist Atherton Martin expressed doubts about the successful completion of Dominica's geothermal energy project, highlighting that the term "guarantee" should only apply post the construction of a well and extensive testing over several years. He emphasized this latter as the approach that aligns with global best practices derived from experiences worldwide. Martin stressed that the certainty of geothermal exploration can only be determined after implementing these industry-standard procedures.

​Martin voiced concerns regarding the absence of the Environmental and Impact Assessment (EIA) study for that specific project in the public domain. He added that the ongoing activities are significantly harming the Island’s existing revenue sources.

​Environmentalist Atherton Martin. 

​Former President of the Dominica Business Forum (DBF), Saverin McKenzie, expressed the view that the decision of Dominica’s government to withdraw from hosting ICC 2024 Cricket World Cup matches warrants scrutiny to prevent a recurrence of such an error in the future. He highlighted the island's reputation for promoting diverse festivities and asserted that hosting the event could have attracted a considerable influx of visitors, fulfilling the country's desire for increased visitor expenditure and other economic activity. McKenzie stressed the importance of learning from this situation to avoid missed opportunities in the future.

​McKenzie added that the event would have positively impacted every individual in Dominica and businesses in various sectors of the economy. He expressed optimism for a constructive discussion to examine the shortcomings and understand the missed opportunity resulting from the country's decision to step back from hosting the Test Cricket matches.

​Dominica Business Forum (DBF)past President Severin McKenzie. 

​Miss OECS Pageant 2023 is all set to take place on January 12, 2024, at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, Dominica. The tickets for the booking of the spot have been opened, and the event is promised to be a night of glamour, talent, and empowerment. Women from five countries, such as Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands, will participate in the pageant. The tickets will be sold at the Blue Eye Pharmacy outlet. The price of the VIP ticket is $120, seating is $80, and standing is $50.The live streaming of the pageant will take place at Vibeantv.com, which can be seen with a subscription of $20 USD. The profiles of the participants have been unveiled, which will feature Marissa Smartt as Miss Saint Lucia; Thyana Kai Sebastian as Miss Antigua; Adicia Burton as Miss Dominica; Anika Christopher as Miss BVI; and Amonai Francis as Miss Grenada. 

​The United Workers Party Leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, emphasized that effective leadership doesn't always require constant physical presence. Despite spending five months on the ground in the past year, he clarified that he remained engaged with Dominica, establishing constituency associations in Colihaut and Grand Fond. Fontaine highlighted his outreach efforts, attending events in Castle Bruce and the Kalinago constituency, and stressed that leadership effectiveness isn't solely tied to being present 24/7.

​Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Leader of the UWP.

​Financial Economist and UWP Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine, highlighted the valuable diplomatic skills he has gained from his work as an adviser and peace advocate to the government for South Sudan. Emphasizing the importance of negotiation, compromise, and appeals in diplomatic processes, he sees these skills as crucial tools for leading the UWP to victory in the next election. Dr. Fontaine also notes the establishment of contacts in the international community, anticipating that the groundwork laid will yield benefits for Dominica in the future.

​Financial Economist & UWP Leader,Dr. Thomson Fontaine. 

​Parliament will convene on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the House of Assembly. Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security, Dr. Irving McIntyre, will table a motion for the authorization of a bank guarantee to secure the commitment made in the project financing agreement between the Government of Dominica and Geothermal Power Company of Dominica (2023) Limited, owned by Or mat Technologies, Inc., of Nevada, United States, entered into an agreement on December 5th, 2023, with the Government of Dominica to finance, build, and operate a 10-megawatt geothermal power plant in Laudat at no cost to the government. Under the agreement, the fully operational plant will be transferred to the Government of Dominica after 25 years.

​The Government of Dominica will seek parliamentary approval to obtain a bank guarantee from the National Bank of Dominica in the amount of EC$13.5 million to secure the commitment for the construction of the geothermal power plant. The Government of Dominica is taking final steps towards commercial operations after drilling seven geothermal wells in Laudat, Wotten Waven, and Trafalgar and sourcing a geothermal resource capable of supporting 10 megawatts of electricity generation in Laudat. The government has also approved the design for the construction of a new efficient and resilient electricity transmission network from the Roseau Valley to Fond Cole, connecting the geothermal power plant to the hydroelectric power plant and to the national grid.

​Executive Vice-President of the Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association (DHTA), Ria Williams claims that strides are being made in the tourism sector, while acknowledging the challenge that are being encountered. She emphasized the positive advancement, particularly evident in the increased influx of visitors attending various festivals like Carnival, Jazz n Creole, and the World Creole Music Festival. Williams highlighted the substantial rise in patrons, underscoring the role of these diverse festivals in attracting local and international guests.

​Williams elaborated on the strides made in various facets in Dominica's tourism sector, noting progress in enhancing the quality of services provided. She emphasized the proactive approach adopted by the association, highlighting their efforts to actively engage both members and non-members to solicit comprehensive feedback.

​Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) Executive Vice-President RIA Williams.

​Emo News Founder and CEO, Emerline Anselm, Earns TDN Media Network’s 2023 Woman of the Year Award for Journalistic Excellence The accolade forms a pivotal part of TDN Media Network’s 'Shining Dominican Exemplar Project,' an annual tribute honoring individuals who significantly impact Dominica's populace.
 
Host Anthony Drigo, from TDN Media, praised Anselm's commitment to amplifying unheard voices and her unwavering dedication in spotlighting critical issues in Dominica. Anselm's journalistic endeavors, serving as a beacon for the marginalized, earned her this recognition.

​Alvin Thomas has also joined in praising Ms. Anselm for her outstanding contributions to the media landscape, highlighting her profound impact on the lives of numerous Dominicans. Thomas acknowledged her remarkable efforts, emphasizing the substantial influence she has wielded through her work which resonates deep within the community.

​Alvin Thomas Former General Secretary of the Dominica Civil Service Association (CSA).

​Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lakeyia Joseph, underscored the significant risk of soil erosion and degradation resulting from unsustainable on-farm agricultural practices. She highlighted the challenges posed by Dominica's mountainous terrain and emphasized the ecological fragility and vulnerability to natural disasters. She noted that Human-induced factors like overexploitation of forests, expansion of agriculture in inaccessible areas, improper use of fertilizers, inadequate soil and water management, and drastic shifts in land use contribute to soil depletion, posing a threat to food security.

​She said Dominica's agriculture-based economy faces vulnerability to external shocks and natural disasters. To address this, Joseph said the government is implementing the Agricultural Land Use Classification exercise to improve land management practices & reduce deforestation, soil erosion, and erosion.

​Ministry of agriculture parliamentary secretary, Lakeyia Joseph.